Information evening on home improvements scheme

Athlone Advertiser, Thu, Apr 12, 2018

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten will open a public information evening this month regarding the Government’s grant scheme for deep energy efficiency home improvements.

The information evening will take place on April 27 in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.

The Government’s deep retrofit programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Announced as a pilot scheme by Minister Naughten last year, it is being supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Irish Rural Link, and officials from the energy efficiency division of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

A deep retrofit in practical terms involves carrying out a number of home improvements that will bring a home’s energy rating up to an ‘A’ standard. Homes with higher energy ratings are cheaper and easier to heat and light, with added health and comfort benefits.

“I introduced the deep retrofit programme last year, and I would like to encourage more interest in the areas where people are more reliant on solid fuels to heat their homes,” Minister Naughten said.

“Ireland needs to improve the energy performance of its buildings and homes in order for us to move to a low carbon future and take action on climate change. Irish Rural Link’s information sessions will provide valuable advice and details regarding the scheme, and I am encouraging as many people as possible to attend.”

The programme provides a significant opportunity for homeowners to receive Government support of 50 per cent towards the cost of a full energy efficiency home improvement. This involves measures such as external wall insulation, energy efficient windows and doors, and renewable energy heating systems, such as heat pumps.